Police made four arrests and seized counterfeit currency after a van failed to stop in Newtownhamilton yesterday, Saturday 21 March.
Shortly before 12pm police were advised that a white coloured van had failed to stop for An Garda Síochána and made off towards Middletown.
A short time later Police on patrol on Armagh Road in Moy observed the van and signalled for it to stop. The van failed to stop and made off. The van was seen again in Newtownhamilton where it struck two police vehicles before making off again towards Newry.
Police deployed a stinger device on the Drumnahunshin Road in order to bring the van to a stop. The van rammed another police vehicle before making off again.
The van was finally stopped by police on Carrickcloughen Hill in Camlough. Four men, aged 25, 28, 32 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences and remain in police custody at this time.
Thankfully none of the officers sustained any life threatening injuries and no members of the public were injured during this reckless incident.
Following the incident, police are appealing to anyone who witnessed what occurred yesterday, or who has information which they believe may assist our investigation to contact officers on 101 quoting reference 509 21/03/20. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Local traders and banks will now be on the alert in case there is a flood of illegal currency about to hit the market place.
Update 7pm: March 22nd 2020.
Police have charged four males, aged 25, 28, 32 and 35, with a number of offences, including possessing counterfeit currency and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
The 28-year old male has also been charged with a number of motoring offences. All four are expected to appear before Newry Magistrates Court tomorrow, Monday 23 March.
The charges are in connection with the incident in Co Armagh yesterday when a white transit van failed to stop for police and collided with a number of police vehicles.
